BELOW ARE SHORT DESCRIPTIONS OF LOCAL PLACES OF INTEREST...
“The largest town on Italy’s most breathtaking coastline.” Poised between the mountains and the sea, the narrow streets and passageways weave among monuments that testify to its former grandeur. The most important being the “Duomo” which dominates the central square, dedicated to Saint Andrew, originally founded in the 9th century, rebuilt in Romanesque style in the 11th century and then altered main times after. The façade and atrium date from the 1800s, but the carved bronze doors were cast in Constantinople around the year 1000. Escaping from the busy square filled with shops and cafes, you can stroll along the promenade looking down on to the pebble beach of Amalfi and across to the port.
RAVELLO “An enchanting town unspoilt by tourism” Ravello is for those who love peace and quiet and stupendous views. Strolling around the town enables you to witness the Moorish details evident in the buildings, inner courtyard, gardens and the many churches. The two main highlights of Ravello are Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
“Few places are as picturesque as Positano, a pyramid of whitewashed houses spilling down from the mountain to the sea” Positano is reached by a one-way road, inaccessible to large local buses and coaches. Your smaller vehicle will take you right down to Piazza Mulino, from here begins the journey on foot through the traffic-free lanes of Positano. A pleasant gathering of shops selling souvenirs, pastries, local crafts and wines, and the world famous “Positano Moda”. Finally finishing at the sea front, where you will find superb restaurants such as “Chez Black”, “La Terrace”, take a stroll to the waters edge and look back at the picturesque town you have just strolled through.
POMPEII “Considered as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.” Pompeii was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 62 A.D., and then totally in 79 A.D. by the first recorded eruption of Mount Vesuvius that engulfed the city and its inhabitants with a terrible storm of cinders and ash. Pompeii was once a thriving commercial centre with a large seaport. At the time of the disaster there were approximately 30,000 inhabitants, so as you can imagine the site is very large and unfortunately badly destroyed, because of this reason an official guide of Pompeii is necessary, so they can bring the ruins back to life for you.
HERCULANEUM “Destroyed along side Pompeii by the famous volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79A.D Herculaneum is now a famous archaeological site.” Much smaller than Pompeii, but unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum contains wonderfully preserved buildings. Swamped by a torrent of liquid mud and debris the once thriving residential seaside town soon had its beauty drowned. Occupied by the ‘aristocracy’ of Roman society drawn to the area by the splendid climate and desire to abandon the noise of large cities, Herculaneum was filled with elegantly villas. These buildings where not destroyed during the disaster, but instead when excavations started fantastic discoveries were made, the mud had actual helped preserve the town as a sort of enormous fossil, buildings indeed often kept intact. This is a splendid chance to see two storey Roman villas, beautiful mosaics, frescoes, pieces of carbonised furniture and other objects used by ancient Romans.
VESUVIUS “Vesuvius is neither the highest nor the most dangerous volcano in the world, but the eruption that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum has made it one of the most famous” Vesuvius, mainland Europe’s only active volcano has erupted around a hundred times since the fateful morning in August 79AD; the last eruption was in 1944. The 1,281 metre summit of Vesuvius, can be reached after a 30 minute walk. Views into the crater, over Naples, and on the far end, over to Pompeii are breathtaking.
NAPLES CITY “Naples is a city that arouses fierce passions” On the one hand its traffic, city centre and much of its bureaucracy can be chaotic. On the other hand it is the most Italian of all cities – the place where family, food, religion and other Latin passions reign as strong as ever; the place that gave birth to the pizza, Sophia Loren and O Sole Mio. Visit –
SORRENTO “Perched on tufa rock rising 50m above the sea, surrounded on one side by mountains and the other the Mediterranean, spritzed by lemon and olive groves, Sorrento is the perfect places for shopping, taking a walk, or just sitting in the main square people watching” Situated in an area of singular beauty it is an enchanting place in all seasons. The locals have gone a long way to make visitors feel welcome and safe, the district is special noted for its oranges, lemons, nuts and the town for inlaid woodwork (intarsia), lace and local liquors (limoncello).
PAESTUM “Paestum is one of the best collections of Greek temples anywhere!” South from Sorrento passing the famous beaches and buffalo farms we come to Paestum. The town was founded as Poseidon by Greeks in the 6th century and renamed Paestum when it became a Roman colony in 273 BC. The final conquerors were malaria–carrying mosquitoes, that killed of the population and kept the site wonderfully deserted for nearly a thousand years. Rediscovered in the 18th century, Paestum today offers the only well-preserved Greek ruins north of Sicily
CASERTA “Italy’s largest Royal Palace” Caserta, only one hour by road from Sorrento, is home to the largest Royal Palace in Italy.
CASSINO the Abbey and War Cemetery “The Abbey of Monte Cassino and its War cemeteries is often a day of remembrance for the many people who visit this area.” The Benedictine Abbey was rebuilt after it was bombed to the ground by the Allies during the last World War in a battle against German troops. It is superbly positioned on top of Monte Cassino. The Abbey is only opened to the public for half a day, and with its spectacular views, and priceless treasures this is a great opportunity to see the Benedictine order of monks going about their daily routines.
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